Wednesday, October 12, 2011

AF Day 151

FOB Smart at 2130

Afghanistan is a beautiful place to live, if only you open your eyes, your heart, and your mind. I should say, though, that living anywhere in the world holds the same beauty. Life is beautiful no matter where you live, as long as you keep an open heart and soul and challenge your mind daily. Well, I know my mind is challenged here, in many ways obvious and others not so obvious to the casual observer. Anyway, the rain in the skies the last couple of days has been amazing, and while it did cause a little mud, it cleaned the air, it cleaned away some of the battle-weary grime, and it reminded me so much of Arizona rain.

Kaesen is at school now. We spoke briefly earlier. Actually, all of my conversations, save for one last weekend, are very brief. Do not be so quick to judge sadness though, because every moment I share with my son, whether on the phone or in person, is another moment forever cherished deep within my love for him and my life with him.

Back to life here in Afghanistan, so today I completed two missions, although one was very close and the others just beyond the walls, somewhat literally, of the protection of our forward operating base. We began early, finished early, and then my day started with several coworkers at the provincial governor's compound addressing several construction projects. I also met with a contractor or two and worked again on paperwork. As I mentioned recently, the weather here has started to cool down rapidly. The recent rains and colder weather remind me of Phoenix or Tucson in December or January.

I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am already ready for another R&R back home! Days, me counting days... 64 to be exact, plus another 15-hour flight from Dubai to Los Angeles, another 3-hour flight to Seattle or Portland to pick-up  my beautiful son, another 5-hour flight to El Paso, and then a quick 45-minute drive to Las Cruces... Sounds wonderful, right? Yes, to me it absolutely does.

143, Kaesen.

Good night and good day.

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